The day after Juneteenth, a holiday which symbolizes the emancipation of African-American slaves, major baseball visited Birmingham (Alabama) on Thursday.
It was at Rickwood Field, scene of the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Francisco Giants, that former player Reggie Jackson shared the episodes of racism experienced during his time with the Birmingham A’s (AA) in 1967.
Despite the support of his manager and his teammates, restaurants refused to serve him while hotels refused to accommodate him. “I wouldn’t wish anyone to experience what I experienced,” he said on Fox Sports, surrounded by former players Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz.
Between 1924 and 1960, Rickwood Field was also the home of the Black Barons of the Negro League. Inaugurated in 1910, Rickwood Field is the oldest professional stadium in the United States.
Willie Mays, who passed away this week, notably played there during his time with the Black Barons in 1948.
